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Trek to the Annapurna Base Camp

OVERVIEW

The trek to Annapurna Base Camp is a moderately graded trek that starts about an hour from Pokhara and takes you to the Base Camp of the Annapurna peak, one of the most magnificent peaks in the world, standing at 8091 metres. The trail takes you through fascinating traditional villages of Nepal’s ethnic communities of the Gurung, Magar, and Thakali, who will greet you very warmly if you care to stop for a conversation. The hike continues through dense rhododendron forest with towering snowy peaks in the background. Witness breathtaking views of an early morning sunrise where a red halo seeps through glistening gaps over the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna & Dhaulagiri Mountains. The scenery seen throughout this trek is some of the best of all the Himalayan trekking routes. The Annapurna Base Camp trek will be even more interesting in spring as the whole forest along the trail turns red, pink and white with rhododendron flowers. This amazing trip can be done anytime of the year except during the monsoons [July through August].

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 • Arrive in Kathmandu
Flying into Kathmandu on a clear day is a huge thrill, with views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling below you. A representative and driver from our partner company will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check in. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities while in Nepal. Overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 2 • Fly to Pokhara
Fly to Pokhara [Approx. 25 min]. Then a one-hour drive to Phedi, through the beautiful green hills of the Annapurna region. The journey on a private vehicle will be far more comfortable than on a local bus. After reaching Phedi, the trek starts with easy downhill walk, before starting a gentle climb to Dhampus. Overnight at local lodge. Trekking time: 2-3 hrs
Day 3 • Trek to Landrung
A gradual decent for much of the day, with a steep section to Landrung, the first Gurung Village.
Overnight at local lodge. Trekking time: 5-6 hrs / Altitude reached: 1550m
Day 4 • Trek to Chomrong
The path heads north of the village on an exposed trail past pastures to a ridge, before descending into a green valley and a suspension bridge over the Kimrong Khola. After lunch, the trail climbs out of the valley through stands of rhododendron and oak forest, winding around the hillsides to Chomrong, with close views of the giant peaks above. Overnight at local lodge. Trekking time: 5-6 hrs / Altitude reached: 2100m
Day 5 • Trek to Himalaya hotel
After breakfast, the trail drops to cross the Chhomrong Khola and then ascends to the charming village of Sinuwa. Thereafter the trail enters the upper Modi Khola Valley through dense forests of cane, rhododendron and oak. It rises then drops to the village of Bamboo (2,310m/7,580ft) on the banks of the river, a perfect lunch spot. After lunch, continue up through uninhabited forest to Dobhan, later crossing several avalanche chutes before reaching the small village of Himalaya Hotel. Overnight at local lodge. Trekking time: 4-5 hrs / Altitude reached: 2850m
Day 6 • Trek to Machapuchare Base Camp
We have a silent jungle walk today. From here you have fantastic views of all the mountains in the Annapurna Range, including Machhapuchhre, Lumjung, Annapurna I, II, and III, as well as many other peaks. Stay overnight at a local lodge. Trekking time: 4-5 hrs / Altitude reached: 3700m
Day 7 • Trek to Annapurna Base camp
After ascending a stone staircase, we will reach the place where some people were killed by avalanche a decade ago. We will not stop here as this is still a high-risk avalanche area. As you walk further, more beautiful mountains are seen and close. The trail turns to the left in the valley after Machapuchare Base Camp and it is pleasant walk up to ABC, although the air is thinner now, so you may feel the altitude now. It is recommended that you not rush and walk gently. From Base Camp you can see one of best 360˙degree mountain vistas in the world. There are tremendous views of giant Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna South (7219m), Machapuchare (Mt. Fishtail | 6997m) and several other wonderful peaks. Stay overnight at a local lodge. Trekking time: 6-7 hrs / Altitude reached: 4130m
Day 8 • Trek to Bamboo
We follow the same trail down today. The trail drops by 1,700 m to the bank of Modi Khola to Bamboo at 2,345 m where there are a few teahouse/lodges available to stay at. Overnight at Local Lodge. Trekking time: 6-7 hrs
Day 9 • Trek to Jhinudanda Hot Spring
From Bamboo, we will take a pleasant jungle walk to Sinuwa then head down to Chhumrung Khola and walk up long stone staircase, up upper Chhomrung, then walk steep down to Jhinu, book room and after eating lunch go down to the hot spring, it takes about 20 minutes. Take bath in natural hot water and come back lodge. Stay overnight at local lodge. Trekking time: 5 hrs / Altitude reached: 1780m
Day 10 • Trek to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara
After breakfast we trek to Nayapul via Birethanti. It takes about 5-6 hours walk to Nayapul then we drive to Pokhara by private car or van (a 2-hour drive). Free afternoon in Pokhara. Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara. Trekking time: 5-6 hrs
Day 11 • Fly to Kathmandu
Today we will fly back to Kathmandu. The flight is about 25 minutes and upon arrival, we will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 12 • Departure
Our representative will take you to the airport in time for your flight home.

GALLERY

Annapurna Base camp

En route to Annapurna Base Camp

Looking up at Annapurna 1 while on the trek

Rhododendrons in flower near Poon Hill

Spectacular scenery along the trek to ABC

The settlement at Bamboo on the trek

The sign welcoming you to Annapuprna Base Camp

The start of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The view from Poon Hill

A close up image of the Fishtail Peak of Machapuchare

A simple room in a guesthouse on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

A typical tea house lodge on the trek

ENQUIRE

BEST TIME TO VISIT

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC

Excellent Good Fair Poor

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